Sears, Roebuck & Co. came out largely on the winning side of a dispute with its landlord and city officials in Palm Beach Gardens over its attempt to sublease part of its store to Dick's Sporting Goods.

The retailer brought suit after landlord Forbes/Cohen Florida Properties LP rejected a sublease. Sears claimed Forbes/Cohen worked with city officials in the affluent suburb without Sears' knowledge to pass a resolution that would require tenants to get approval from both the city and landlord before subdividing space at the Gardens Mall.

A state appellate court ruled Wednesday that the resolution was unconstitutional and awarded attorney fees to Sears.